3. Do not switch formats in the middle of the roll. The camera can handle it, but it will confuse most mini-labs. Decide ahead of time whether you want to shoot square-frame or half-frame. They both have their advantages. Square frames will confuse the labs because of the extra space around the pictures. Half frames will confuse the labs because there are two pictures per standard frame. Either way, they are more likely to be able to handle them if you don't switch in the middle of the roll. I recommend you start out shooting square frame until you learn how to line things up in the viewfinder.

4. The MINI gives you many focusing options - fuzzy, fuzzier, and really fuzzy. Don't worry about focusing. Just stick the focus in the middle and treat it like a point and shoot.

5. The Sunny/Cloudy symbols are calibrated for 100 ASA film. If you're shooting anything faster (which you probably will be) just leave it on cloudy all the time.

It's such a pretty camera. I tried the diana lens adapter kit for my DSLR and it really turned out poorly. I have a Holga I quite like...many of the tips here apply to the Holga too except #1 being carry a roll of duct tape with you to close the back ;)

For this is what we do. Put one foot forward and then the other. Lift our eyes to the snarl and smile of the world once more. Think. Act. feel. Add our little consequence to the tides of good and evil that flood and drain the world. - Gregory David Roberts